LOT 554

1950 Douglas 348cc 90 Plus Registration no. GMW 305 Frame no. 8800/90 Engine no. 11886/90 (see text)

Sold for £9,200 inc. premium

Lot 554

1950 Douglas 348cc 90 Plus
Registration no. GMW 305 Frame no. 8800/90 Engine no. 11886/90 (see text)

The Autumn Stafford Sale – The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|16 October 2022, 10:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1950 Douglas 348cc 90 Plus
Registration no. GMW 305
Frame no. 8800/90
Engine no. 11886/90 (see text)

Douglas commenced post-war production in 1947 with, naturally enough, a horizontally opposed twin, although unlike the vast majority of previous models the T35 mounted its engine across the frame. The engine was of unitary construction while the frame displayed even greater innovation with its swinging-arm rear suspension controlled by torsion bars, and leading-link Radiadraulic front fork. After development work had cured frame breakages and improved engine power, the revised version was dubbed the MkIII. The latter lasted until the advent of the new-for-1949 MkIV, which featured an un-sprung front mudguard and altered rear sub-frame with distinctive teardrop-shaped toolboxes. Standard and Sports versions were catalogued until the introduction of the MkV in 1951. Also part of the range were two specially tuned sports models known as the 80 Plus or 90 Plus depending on the level of performance achieved, a bench-tested 25bhp being required for a 90 Plus. A 21" front wheel and 9" brake were fitted to both models, which had contrasting finishes: maroon for the 80 Plus and gold for the 90 Plus.

This very smartly turned out 90 Plus has not run since 2002 and will require re-commissioning before further use. No history is known. It should be noted that the engine number differs from that on the V5C document, indicating that there has been a change of engine at some point. Sold as seen, the machine also comes with some old MoTs (most recent expired 2001).
Key not required

Footnotes

All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

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